They stood, the whole congregation as one, watching the beautiful woman in white angelically floating down the aisle of the gardens. She came to a stop at the foot of the steps, her father kissed her cheek, and the man, her soul mate, took her hand and delicately led her up the stairs. To their future.
Toby entwined his fingers with Justine's, his thumb caressing the back of her hand. She was crying, he knew, and had it been any other moment he would have made a joke about how girly she was being, but really, Toby himself was rather close to sheading a few tears. Justine moved closer to him and he untangled their fingers to wrap his arm lovingly around her waist, pulling her close. He pressed a kiss to her temple
The minister spoke. "Will all of you, who are present here today, surround Allison and Charles with love; offer them the joys of your friendship and your support in their marriage?"
"We will" They answered in unison and sat down, Toby still holding Justine close.
Charles and Alli recited their vows, never taking their eyes off one and other until the sweet moment when they were allowed to kiss and seal the promise that they would be together forever.
The smiles on their friend's faces reminded Toby and Justine of what they had to look forward to, because really, all that had happened to them in little less than a year already proved they could do it. Being together forever wasn't a question that only a white dress and a couple of rings could answer; they knew forever was for certain. The wedding was a bonus; a kick-ass party to round the whole thing off and it would happen eventually. Maybe next year, maybe in five years, that didn't matter; all that mattered was that Toby and Justine were together now, were happy now and had a long and beautiful future in front of them.
"This is going to be us someday" Justine whispered as she watched Charles and Alli walk back up the aisle, hand in hand.
"Yeah" Toby replied, watching them too. "Alli looks pretty" he commented.
"Gorgeous" Justine agreed. "And Charles looks pretty handsome too" she smiled, waving at the couple as they made their way towards the gardens and away from the congregation.
"He does. I see Alli let him wear his Chucks, that's nice of her"
"They look cute"
Toby looked down at her and grinned. "So…when we get married…I could wear, say…"
"You're not wearing Heelies"
Toby pouted.
Yes, a long and beautiful future.
